Let’s send a stronger message to pandemic partiers

Re Bylaw officers clear out Brampton house party with 200 guests, July 27

A more appropriate headline would have read: “$176,000 in fines issued to house party with 200 guests.”

The party was, without question, an outrageous affront to our collective fight against the spread of COVID-19.

But why was the opportunity botched by bylaw officers, who did not issue separate $880 fines to each of the 200 irresponsible partygoers?

Instead, they issued a single $880 fine, and public nuisance charges to the party organizers. This represents just $4.40 per person.

What message does that send to groups planning similar events? Ian Alter, North York

What’s going on? Participants in a public park that don’t self-distance are being fined, costing them money.

Why would the 200 or so fools at this house party escape this? Do you think they learned a lesson?

How do I get special treatment, too? John Duffy, St. Catharines

It is appropriate to fine the party host, but what about the 200 plus people who acted just as irresponsibly when they attended the party?

The names and contact information of all attendees of such a party should be recorded in a database that is checked every time someone is admitted to a hospital with COVID-19 symptoms.

If there is a match within two weeks of admission, they should be billed for their hospital stay. If irresponsible behaviour could hit their pocket book, maybe they will think twice about attending next time.

Why should those who are being careful and responsible about this pandemic pay for those who are not? Phil Buddle, Toronto